Senior Director of Development

Company Description

For nearly 30 years, Miller Center for Global Impact at Santa Clara University has walked alongside social entrepreneurs working to end poverty and build a more just and sustainable world. Through mentorship, community, and shared learning, we help leaders scale solutions that advance women’s economic power and climate resilience. Rooted in Santa Clara University’s tradition of social justice and Silicon Valley’s spirit of innovation, we have supported 1,600 social enterprises across 100+ countries, strengthening organizations that touch hundreds of millions of lives.

Role Description

Miller Center for Global Impact is seeking a Senior Director for Development to lead major gift fundraising in support of its mission. This hybrid role, based at Santa Clara University, will manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and drive strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic support at the $100,000 – $1.9M level. The Senior Director will work closely with Miller Center leadership, University Relations, and academic partners to develop compelling funding opportunities, deepen relationships with alumni and philanthropic partners, and expand the community of supporters investing in social entrepreneurship worldwide.

Qualifications

• Proven success securing major gifts from high-net-worth individuals or institutional donors
• Experience managing and advancing a portfolio of major gift prospects
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and proposal development skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to collaborate across teams and engage senior stakeholders
• Experience in higher education advancement or nonprofit fundraising preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 8+ years of relevant experience, including significant major gift fundraising experience